Side-discharge tipper vehicle with side wall flexibly connected to the main body

ABSTRACT

A vehicle tipper system including a container body ( 30 ), a displaceable side wall ( 33 ) located on a discharge side of the container body ( 30 ), the side wall ( 33 ) being flexibly connected with the rest of the container body ( 30 ) at least one actuation assembly ( 16 ) for displacing the side wall ( 33 ) to an open position, and for tipping container body ( 30 ) such that product held within the container body ( 30 ) can be tipped from the discharge side thereof when the side wall ( 33 ) is in the open position.

The present invention is generally directed to tipper systems forvehicles, and in particular to door type side tipper systems. Suchsystems can be used on different types of vehicles including road andrail trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for bulk or mass materialhaulage and transport.

Conventional door type side tipper systems utilise an elongate containerbody having a generally rectangular cross-section. A hinged door isprovided . along one elongate side of the container body, the hingeextending continuously along the length of the door. This door isprovided on a discharge side of the body. A series of body hinges arealso provided between the container body and the vehicle chassissupporting the body to allow the container body to be tipped towards itsdischarge side. The hinged door is opened prior to or during thistipping motion to allow the product held within the container body to betipped therefrom. Because of the loads applied to the container bodyduring tipping motions and vehicle travel, elongate body runners andlateral cross members are required to be secured to the container bodyfor support and reinforcement reasons.

Such conventional door type side tipper systems therefore have a numberof disadvantages as follows:

a substantial amount of work is required to manufacture and incorporatethe door and body hinges

a the inclusion of the door and body hinges adds a significant weight toa side tipper system

the door hinge arrangement cannot be readily sealed leading to theescape of liquids which can be environmentally harmful; a loss ofvaluable material held within the container body can also occur

corrosive materials can enter and seize up the door and/or body hinges

material can be caught in and can break the door and/or body hinges

there are high maintenance costs due to the large number of moving parts

the required body runners and cross members significantly add to theoverall weight and cost of the system

the doors can often get bogged in a dumped heap of tipped productbecause of the low height of the door when the system is fully tipped.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicleside tipper system that avoids at least one of the above-noted problems.

With this in mind, according to one aspect of the present invention,there is provided a vehicle tipper system comprising:

a container body having a displaceable side wall located on a dischargeside of the container body, the side wall being flexibly connected withand displaceable relatively to the rest of the container body;

at least one actuation assembly for displacing the side wall to an openposition away from the rest of the container body; and for tipping thecontainer body such that product held within the container body can betipped from the discharge side thereof when the side wall is in the openposition.

The displaceable side wall may therefore provide the door for the tippersystem according to the present invention.

The side wall may form a part of a body skin. In the transport positionof the tipper system prior to any tipping thereof, the body skin issupported to form a relatively rigid elongate channel which provides afloor and a fixed side wall of the container body, as well as thedisplaceable side wall. The body skin may be formed from any one of avariety of different materials including aluminium, steel, plastics,rubber and stainless steel depending on the operation and product to betransported. It is however also envisaged that the body skin be formedof a composite of materials. For example, the displaceable side wallportion of the body skin may be made of a flexible material, with therest of the body skin being made of a relatively rigid material.

In a possible arrangement of the present invention, the body skin may beformed of a sheet of steel, the stiffness of the steel beingsufficiently low to allow a portion of the steel sheet to provide thedisplaceable side wall, This is particularly applicable for relativelysmall container bodies. In the case of larger container bodies, thesteel will need to be of a greater thickness to provide structuralstrength, this thickness being such that the stiffness becomes too highto allow for ready flexing of the sheet. It is therefore alternativelypossible for a flexible hinge to be provided between the sheet formingthe side wall and the sheet providing the body skin.

The flexible hinge may extend at least substantially the entire lengthof the side wall. The flexible hinge may be in the form of one or moreflexible sheets interconnecting the side wall and the rest of the bodyskin. The flexible sheet may be formed from rubber or any other flexiblematerial. Alternatively, the flexible hinge may include at least oneelongate flexible billet extending along at least substantially theentire length of the side wall, the flexible billet being fastened orclamped between sections of the body skin, the side wall and/orintermediate sections where more than one flexible billet is provided.The flexible billet may be bolted or clamped between said body skin,side wall and/or intermediate sections such that it is held incompression. The flexible billet may also be formed from rubber or otherflexible material.

The body skin may be supported between two end assemblies of thecontainer body. Each end assembly may include an end panel providing anend wall for the container body. A flange may be provided on the endpanel, and a portion of the periphery of the body skin may be secured tothe flange. The portion of the body skin providing the displaceable sidewall may however remain detached from the flange to thereby allowmovement thereof. The body skin may be secured by means of fasteningmeans such as, for example, bolts or rivets. A resilient means such as arubber sheet may be provided between the body skin and the flange. Thisallows for a degree of twist movement of the container body. This canoccur when there is a variation in loading along the container body asit is tipped due to the distribution of product contained therein. Aresilient means may also extend between the displaceable side wall andthe end assembly to provide a tight seal there between. Alternatively,the body skin may be secured thereto by welding or by adhesive. It isalso envisaged that the body skin may be secured directly to the endpanel.

The actuation assembly may include a means for displacing thedisplaceable side wall. The displacing means may include a respectivedoor ram assembly mounted between each end assembly and the displaceableside wall. The ram assembly may be pivotally mounted on the end assemblyand may have an actuation arm extending therefrom and pivotallyconnected to the displaceable side wall. Extension of the actuation armresults in movement of the side wall to the open position. Retraction ofthe actuating arm returns the side wall to its initial position. The ramassembly may be either hydraulic or pneumatic ram in operation.

The container body may be supported on a chassis cradle frame, and maybe pivotally mounted to the chassis cradle frame. In particular, eachend assembly of the container body may be pivotally mounted to a bodypivot provided on or adjacent the chassis cradle frame. The body pivotpoints may be located adjacent the discharge side of the container body.The chassis cradle frame also helps to support the body skin of thecontainer body when holding product therein.

The actuation assembly may further include means for tipping thecontainer body. The tipping means may include a respective body ramassembly mounted between each end assembly and the chassis cradle frame.The ram assembly may be pivotally mounted on or adjacent the chassiscradle frame and may have an actuation arm extending therefrom andpivotally connected to the end assembly. Extension of the actuation armresults in the movement of the container body to the tipping positiondue to rotation of the container body about the body pivot mounts. Theram assembly may be either hydraulic or pneumatic ram in operation.

The actuation assembly may, in an alternative preferred embodiment ofthe vehicle tipper system of the present invention include a single ramassembly, and a mechanical linkage arrangement for both displacing theside wall and for tipping the container body. The ram assembly may bepivotally mounted on or adjacent the chassis cradle frame and may havean actuation arm extending therefrom. The actuation arm may be pivotallyconnected to a primary linkage arm mounted at one end thereof at oradjacent a top corner of the end assembly away from the side wall.

A secondary linkage arm may also be provided. One end of the secondarylinkage arm may be pivotally connected to the side wall. A cross linkagemay interconnect the opposing end of the primary and secondary linkagearms. The secondary linkage arm may include a lateral extension whichmay be pivotally mounted adjacent a side support means provided on thechassis frame. This support means may include a support pipe extendinglongitudinally along the side of the chassis frame adjacent the sidewall. When the side wall is closed, or during opening of the side wall,the side wall may be supported by the secondary linkage arm which itselfmay be supported on the support pipe. This support is important where aflexible hinge is provided for the side wall. The linkage arrangementmay provide an “over-centre” assembly such that the initial pivotaldisplacement of the primary linkage arm, which is displaced by means ofthe ram assembly, results in the opening of the side wall. Furtherpivotal displacement of the primary linkage arm results in the tippingof the container body while the side wall remains open.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the vehicle tippersystem according to the present invention, the container body mayinclude a further upper door located over the displaceable side wall andpivotally mounted on the container body. The actuation assembly mayinclude means to open both the upper door and side wall forming a “lowerdoor” thereof. Both the upper and lower doors may open simultaneously.To this end, a rigid link may connect the upper door to a linkage arm ofthe actuation assembly, the linkage arm being pivotally mounted to theend wall and urged for movement by a ram assembly.

The actuation assembly may include a further actuation means fordisplacing the side wall. This further actuation means allows for adisplacement of the side wall when it is not required or desired to tipthe container body. The actuation means may include a further ramassembly connecting the side wall with the rest of the actuationassembly.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda tipping vehicle including a vehicle tipper system according to thepresent invention.

The vehicle tipper system according to the present invention provides adoor type side tipper system which does not require any door hinges orbody hinges of the type used on conventional door type side tippersystems. Furthermore, the construction of the tipper system according tothe present invention significantly reduces the weight of the tippersystem. The disadvantages of conventional door type side tipper systemscan therefore be generally avoided by the vehicle tipper systemaccording to the present invention.

It will be convenient to further describe the present invention withrespect to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferredembodiments of the vehicle tipper system according to the presentinvention. Other embodiments of the invention are possible andconsequently, the particularity of the accompanying drawings is not tobe understood as superseding the generality of the preceding descriptionof the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first preferred embodiment of a vehicletipper system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vehicle tipper system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the vehicle tipper system of FIG. 1 showing thetipper system in a transport position;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the vehicle tipper system of FIG. 1 showing thetipper system with the displaceable side wall in an open position;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the vehicle tipper system of FIG. 1 showing thetipper system in a tipping position;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the chassis cradle frameaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 7a to 7 c are respective end views of a second preferredembodiment of a vehicle tipper system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a flexible hinge of the vehicle tippersystem of FIGS. 7a to 7 c;

FIGS. 9a to 9 c are respective end views of a third preferred embodimentof a vehicle tipper system according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the vehicle tipper system of FIGS. 9a to 9 cshowing an alternative operation thereof;

FIGS. 11a to 11 c are schematic cross-sectional side views respectivelyshowing three stages of opening of another arrangement of the flexiblehinge of the vehicle tipper system according to the present invention;

FIGS. 12a to 12 c are schematic cross-sectional side views respectivelyshowing three stages of opening of a further arrangement of the flexiblehinge of the vehicle tipper system according to the present invention;and

FIGS. 13a to 13 c are schematic cross-sectional side views respectivelyshowing three stages of opening of yet another arrangement of theflexible hinge of the vehicle tipper system according to the presentinvention.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is respectively shown a sideand plan view of a first preferred embodiment of a vehicle tipper systemaccording to the present invention mounted on a vehicle chassis 1. Thevehicle chassis 1 can be adapted for use in rail or road vehicleapplications. The vehicle, chassis 1 includes a cradle chassis frame 38and a suspension chassis frame 39 (shown in FIG. 6). The cradle chassisframe 38 has a top plate 20 which can be shaped to accept the bottom ofa container body 30 of the vehicle tipper system.

The container body 30 is formed of a body skin 12 supported between twoend assemblies 31. The body skin 12 is supported to form an elongatechannel for supporting product therein. The body skin 12 is made of aflexible material such as, for example, aluminium, steel, plastics,rubber and stainless steel depending on the operation and product to betransported. An end assembly 31 is provided at each end of the elongatechannel provided by the body skin 12 to complete the containment volumefor the container body 30.

A series of cushion strips 21 can be attached to the top plate 20 todamped any bounce of the container body 30 as well as to support thebody skin 12 of the container body 30 when loaded. The cushion strips 21may typically be formed of plastic and rubber. A chassis rail pipe 2extends parallel to and along a discharge side of the tipper system.This rail pipe 2 is mounted to the cradle chassis frame 38 and is usedto support the container body 30 when undergoing a tipping motion.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an end view of the vehicletipper system when in a transport position, ie, when the tipper systemis not undergoing a tipping motion showing in more detail the endassembly 31. The end assembly 31 includes an end panel 7 which closesoff the end of the elongate channel formed by the body skin 12. A flange11 (best shown in FIG. 1) is provided on the face of the end panel 7facing the interior volume of the container body 30. The portion of thebody skin 12 providing the base and stationary side wall of thecontainer body 30 is secured to the flange 11 by a series of fasteningmeans 32. The rest of the body skin 12 is not secured to the flange 11and therefore provides a displaceable side wall 33. This displaceableside wall 33 provides the “door” for the tipper system according to thepresent invention as will be subsequently described.

The end assembly 31 is pivotally mounted about a body pivot point 6located on the chassis pipe rail 2. The body pivot point 6 is providedon the discharge side of the container body 30. FIG. 3 shows the endpanel 7 having an extension 35 which is pivotally mounted to the bodypivot point 6.

In FIG. 4, the displaceable side wall 33 is shown in its fully openposition prior to the tipping motion of the tipper system. The actuationassembly 16 for opening the side wall 33 and tipping the container body30 includes a door hydraulic ram 8. A reinforcement plate 15 is securedto the end panel 7, and a pin 9 extends therefrom. The door hydraulicram 8 is pivotally supported on the pin 9 of the end assembly 31. Theactuation rod 8 a of the door hydraulic ram 8 is secured to a coamingrailing 10 secured to the displaceable side wall 33. Extension of thedoor hydraulic ram 8 results in movement of the displaceable side wall33 to its open position. A cushion seal 13 is provided between theflange 11 and the displaceable side wall 33. When the side wall 33 is ina closed position as shown in FIG. 3, the cushion seal 13 provides atight seal there between. The side wall 33 is held in this closedposition as shown in FIG. 3, the cushion seal 13 provides a tight sealthere between. The side wall 33 is held in this closed position when thedoor hydraulic ram 8 is [full] fully retracted. It is also possible fora resilient means such as a rubber sheet to be provided between the bodyskin 12 and the flange 11 of the end assembly 31. This allows thecontainer body 30 to twist to a small degree during the tipping motiondue to the uneven distribution of product along the length of thecontainer body 30.

FIG. 5 shows the container body 30 in its tipping position. Thecontainer body 30 is displaced to this position by means of a bodyhydraulic ram 4. This body hydraulic ram 4 is supported on a lowermounting pin 36 extending between a pair of closely adjacent mountingplates 3 at each respective end of the chassis cradle frame 1. Theactuation rod 4 a of the body hydraulic ram 4 is pivotally secured by aspherical bearing to a lift coaming rail pin 5 provided at the “liftside” of the container body 30. Therefore, extension of the actuationrod 4 a results in the tipping motion of the container body 30. Itshould also be noted that a rubber panel 14 is located between the endof the displaceable side wall 33 and the end assembly 31 to preventspillage and to provide protection for the door hydraulic ram 8. It isalso envisaged that this panel 14 can be made of a relatively rigidmaterial.

In a tipping operation, the door hydraulic rams 8 are initially extendedoutwards pushing the displaceable side wall 33 to its open position asshown in FIG. 4. Once in this position, the body hydraulic ram 4 isextended to lift the container body 30 and pivot it around the bodypivot point 6. While the container body 30 is being lifted, thedisplaceable side wall 33 rolls around the chassis rail pipe 2 until thedesired tipping angle of the tipper system is reached. Product can thenbe tipped from the interior volume of the container body 30.

When returning the container body 30 to its usual transport position,the body hydraulic ram 4 is initially retracted to return the containerbody 30 onto the chassis cradle frame 1. Once the container body 30 issupported on the chassis cradle frame 1, the displaceable side wall 33can be retracted and can seal against the cushion seal 13 as shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows in more detail the vehicle chassis 1. The vehicle chassis 1has also been designed to reduce manufacturing time and cost byproducing it as a two part chassis 1 where the cradle chassis frame 38is separate to the suspension chassis frame 39. Therefore allowing thetop and bottom chassis frame to be manufactured simultaneously.

The vehicle chassis 1 has been designed as a ‘sandwich’ typeconstruction. The cradle chassis frame 38 includes base and webs 40,41fabricated from one piece of plate which has been profile cut intoshape, the sides being bent upward to produce the web 41. Following thatprocedure profile cut X-members 42 are located within the base. Theirprimary function is to provide strength in the cradle chassis frame 38.The top flange of the X-members are shaped to support the top plate 20,which has been rolled to a radius that complements the body 30. HoistX-members 43 are at both ends of this construction.

The pipe 2 over which the side wall 33 opens over is fixed at either endonto the hoist X-members 43, then welded back to the chassis with gussetplates 44 which have been located in direct alignment with the X-membersin the cradle chassis frame 38 previously mentioned.

The suspension chassis frame 39 is similar in design construction to thecradle chassis frame 38. The base 46 and webs 45 are fabricated from onepiece of plate which has been profile cut into shape, and the sides arebent upward to produce the webs 45. The structure is then reinforcedwith profile cut X-members 47. The rear section of the chassis housesthe RINGFEDER™ coupling 48 and has been designed as a reinforced unitthat ties in with the main structure.

FIGS. 7a to 7 c show a second preferred embodiment of a vehicle tippersystem according to the present invention. The same reference numeralsare used to designate integers corresponding to those in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1 to 5 for clarity reasons.

The end assembly 31 shown in FIGS. 7a to c includes a single ramassembly 50 and a mechanical linkage arrangement 51 for both opening theside wall 33 and the tipping of the container body 30. The linkagearrangement 51 includes a primary linkage arm 52 which is pivotallymounted at a pivot point 53 located at a top corner of the end assembly31 away from the side wall 33. The ram assembly 50 is pivotally mountedabove a chassis pivot 54 located on the vehicle chassis 1 at one endthereof. The other end of the ram assembly 50 is pivotally mounted tothe primary linkage arm 52.

The linkage arrangement also includes a secondary linkage arm 55pivotally secured at a door pivot point 56 to the side wall 33. Thesecondary linkage arm 55 includes a lateral extension 57 which normallyrests on and is pivotally supported on a lower pivot point 67 locatedadjacent the body pivot point 6 of the vehicle chassis 1.

The linkage arrangement 51 further includes a cross linkage 58interconnecting the primary and secondary linkage arms 52,55. This crosslinkage 58 provides an “over-the-centre” arrangement of the linkage arms52,55.

In the normal carrying position of the container body 30 shown in FIG.7a, the ram assembly 50 is fully retracted, and the linkage arrangement51 acts to hold the side wall 33 closed.

The initial extension of the ram assembly 50 results in the opening ofthe side wall 33 as shown in FIG. 7b. Further extension of the ramassembly 50 results in the tipping of the container body 30. Thisconstruction ensures that tipping cannot occur before the side wall 33is opened.

In smaller tipper systems, the body skin 12 could be provided by asingle sheet of steel. The side wall 33 can be displaced because of theyield of the steel sheet. In larger tipper systems, the steel sheetneeds to be of thicker gauge to provide adequate structural strength.The stiffness of the steel sheet becomes too high to allow for flexingof the sheet. It is therefore necessary to provide a flexible hinge 59as shown in FIG. 8. The flexible hinge 59 is typically formed by a sheetof rubber 60 or other flexible material. This rubber sheet 60 issandwiched between the body skin 12 and a backing plate 61 at onesection thereof, and between the side wall 33 and wall backing plate 62at the other section thereof.

Fastening bolts 63 hold together the body skin 12 and backing plate 61and the side wall 33 and wall backing plate 62. The bolts 63 engagedthreaded lugs 64 secured to the body skin 12 and side wall 33. Cavities65 are provided in the flexible sheet 60 to accommodate the lugs 64 in aflush manner. A further wear plate 66 is also provided over the backingplate 61.

The side wall 33 needs to be supported when the flexible hinge 59 isprovided. The linkage arrangement 51 therefore acts to support the sidewall 33 at all positions. The secondary linkage arm 55 is pivotallysupported on the lower pivot pint 67 and therefore supports the sidewall 33 at all positions thereof. The flexible hinge 59 also rests onthe support pipe 6, which acts to also support the side wall 33. Thewear plate 66 protects the support pipe 6 and backing plate 61 fromwear.

The use of a flexible hinge 59 allows the vehicle tipper system to beused on larger capacity vehicles.

FIGS. 9a to 10 show a third preferred embodiment of a vehicle tippersystem according to the present invention. The same reference numeralsare used to designate integers corresponding to those in the arrangementshown in the earlier two described embodiments.

As in the earlier preferred embodiments, the container body 30 includesan end panel 7 at each end of the body 30 which may be secured by eitherwelding or bolting methods. The side wall 33 is a sub-assembly that isconnected to the floor of the body 30 by a rubber hinge 59, and each endof the side wall 33 also has rubber seals. This feature makes the unitleak resistant. The construction of body sides are curved, the advantagebeing that it strengthens the body along its length, therefore,eliminating the need for vertical side reinforcements.

The floor can be either be constructed flat 70 or curved 71. The flatfloor 70 would suit an operation, which required the cartage of bulksolids one way, and pallet or break-bulk the other, this system iscalled backloading and ensures that the trailers are utilisedeffectively in both directions. The flat floor 70 requires lateral crossmembers 72 built into the construction, these are welded to theunderside of the body skin, and ensures the floor skin is kept rigid.The edge of the cross member adjacent to the body skin, has a stripwelded which has the same contour of the cradle chassis frame 38. Thisis to ensure full support when loaded and support for the floor whenbeing transported or while discharging.

The curved floor 71 would primarily be used for bulk solids cartage.This type would be slightly lighter in tare weight due to the fact thatit does not require cross members for floor support. The strength is abuilt in characteristic by forming a curve in the floor.

The cradle frame 38 supports the body 30 while being transported and orbeing lifted by a forklift 91. The cradle top plate 20 in which the bodyrests is rolled to the same contour as the body. In between the body andthe cradle are several rubber strips 21 which have been laid and spacedevenly along the length of the cradle top plate 20, relative to thecross members located inside the cradle's construction, this is toensure a cushion exists between the body and cradle. The top plate 20extends to the base of the cradle, on tipping side of the cradle the topplate has a radius 73 formed into it, this is to allow the body duringtipping to roll evenly around giving support along the full length ofthe body. Beneath the cradle top plate 20 are a series of cross members72 spaced evenly along the length of the cradle 38. These cross members74 are welded to the underside of the cradle top plate 20 and extend tothe base 40 of the cradle 38.

It is envisaged that the vehicle tipper system be adapted for intermodalcontainer applications. To this end, towards the middle of the containerbody 30 can be provided two standard fork pockets (not shown) as well aseight ISO container twist locks (not shown) four on the bottom and fourat the top at standard ISO dimensions. This allows the container body 30to be lifted off the cradle frame 38 and placed onto a standard roadtrailer or rail wagon. The ISO twist locks can be sued to secure thecontainer body 30 thereon. The container body 30 can therefore betreated in the same way as an ISO container.

The actuation assembly 16 attached to both ends of the container body 30has two functions:

i. To open an upper door 75 and the side wall 33 or lower door so thatany bulk material that is inside can be discharged by tipping thecontainer body 30 over so that the product can flow out the openingfreely. (See FIGS. 9a to 9 c).

ii. To open the upper and lower doors 75, 33 to the extent that thelower door 33 is almost perpendicular to the ground so that the body 30can be loaded horizontally. For example, a forklift 91 loading palettesof goods onto the trailer. (See FIG. 10).

Referring to function (i), as the primary linkage arm 52 extends out,which is attached to the top of the ram assembly 50, ram assembly 50will operate the linkages connected to the upper door 75 and lower door33 and cause them to open simultaneously.

The upper door 75 is activated by a rigid link 76 that is mounted to theprimary linkage arm 52 by a pin joint at point 77. A second pin joint 78is mounted from the top of the rigid link 76 to the opening side of theupper door 75, which is hinged at the top right hand corner of thecontainer at point 79 (viewing container from the rear). As the primarylinkage arm 52 pivots from point 53 the resulting action is that therigid link connection from the linkage arm 51 to the upper door 75 willrotate and open the door at the hinge point 79 until it reaches its openposition.

The lower door 33 is pin jointed at point 80 to the primary linkage arm52 using a clevis link bar 81, the top of which is connected to a sideguard plate 82 at point 83. Then from here a further ram assembly 84 ispin joined as well to the side guard plate 82 and the lower door 33 atpoints 80 and 83. Both the side guard plate 82 and the lower door 33 arehinged at the same pivot point 85. As the primary linkage arm 52 pivotsfrom point 53 the pin joint connection 80 from the bottom of the arm 52to the clevis link bar 81 will push and rotate the lower door 33 openfrom the side guard plate 82. Since lower door 33 and the side guardplate 82 have a link between them, and are hinged at the same point, thetwo will rotate in unison from the same hinge point, as the clevis linkbar 81 rotates the side guard plate 82.

Once the two doors 75, 33 have reached their required open position theprimary linkage arm 52 will be prevented from rotating any further, by astop mechanism 86 which will be a direct contact point from the arm 51to end panel 7 of the container. Since the arm 51 will no longer be ableto rotate, the only option left is for the ram assembly 50 to then liftand rotate the body 30 at point 6. The body will then tip and dischargeany load it has inside the body out and away from the container.Furthermore, a secondary safety prop (not shown) can be mounted frompoints 80 to 83 to further prevent the lower door 33 opening further,but only used when discharging bulk by tipping the container.

Should the opening be required to only allow access to loadhorizontally, then rather than the body 30 rotating and tipping, amanual, or automatic locking mechanism engages the body to the chassisat point 90, then the further ram assembly 84 connected from the sideguard plate 82 to the lower door 33 will activate and extend. This willrotate the lower door 33 until it is almost perpendicular to the ground,which will enable access for a forklift 91 to drive up close to thecontainer to load it.

The flexible hinge 59 of the vehicle tipper system shown in FIGS. 9a to10 is adapted to allow for the side wall 33 to open to its tippingposition as shown in FIG. 9c or be opened in a loading position suchthat the side wall 33 is 20 almost perpendicular to the ground as shownin FIG. 10 to allow access for horizontal loading. FIGS. 11a to 11 c,and FIGS. 12a to 12 c show two such possible arrangements of theflexible hinge 59 adapted for this function.

Each flexible hinge 59 arrangement is similar in having threecompressible rubber billets 95 extending along at least substantiallythe full length of the side 25 wall 33. Each billet 95 is locatedbetween a flange portion 96 of the body skin 12, a flange portion 94 ofthe side wall 33, or the flange sections 98 of a channel 97. The billets95 may be held in compression between the associated flange portions 96,94, 98 by a series of fastening bolts 99 as shown schematically in FIGS.11a to 11 c, the fastening bolts 99 passing through the middle of thebillet 30 95 and through the associated flange portions 94, 96, 98 oneither side of the billet 95. These fastening bolts 99 are evenly spacedalong the length of each billet 95.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 12a to 12 c, clamps 100 extending alongat least substantially the entire length of the billet 95 can beprovided to hold the billet 95 in compression between the associatedflange portions 96, 94, 98. The clamp 100 may be retrained in positionby fastening bolts 101 extending through the clamp 100 and through thethickness of the billet 95.

FIGS. 11a and 12 a show the flexible hinge 59 when the side wall 33 isin closed position. FIGS. 11b and 12 b show the flexible hinge 33 whenthe side wall 33 is in its tipping position. FIGS. 11c and 12 c show theflexible hinge 59 when the side wall is in its loading position. In allthe above positions, the billets 10 95 are held in compression and areat no time in tension. This is because the fastening bolts 99 or clamps100 maintain a compression force through the centre of the billets 95.The fastening bolts 99 or clamps 100 connect the side wall 33 to achannel section 97, connect the body skin 12 to a channel section 97, orconnect together the two channel sections 97. There is however no directconnection of the billet 95 to the channel section 97, side wall 33 orbody skin 12 and so the billet 95 is never held in tension.

An alternative possible arrangement of a flexible hinge 59 adapted foruse in the vehicle tipper system shown in FIGS. 9a to 10 is shown inFIGS. 13a to 13 c. This flexible hinge 59 includes one or morecompressible rubber billets 95 held together by one or more cables 102passing through the or each billet 95, the cable 102 being supported ateach end on a respective side wall flange portion 94 or body skin flangeportion 96. A pivotable mount 103 is provided on one end of the cable102, a lock nut 104 being provided on the other end of the cable 102 fortensioning the cable 102.

In all of the flexible hinges 59 shown in FIGS. 11a to 13 c, thefastening bolts 99, clamps 100 or cables 102 all act to maintain avariable but maximum fixed width between the side wall flange portion 94and the body skin flange portion 96. This allows the compressible rubberbillets 95 to be compressed and to be released while at the same timeholding the various components of the flexible hinge 59 together and inposition.

In all of the described embodiments using the flexible hingearrangement, that hinge is shown located adjacent the bottom floor ofthe container body. It is however also to be appreciated that theflexible hinge could be located higher up the container body away fromthe bottom thereof. This arrangement increases the certainty that therewill be no leakage of fluid where the container body is holding productshaving a high moisture content as the raising of the height of theflexible hinge will effectively increase the holding capacity of theamount of fluid that can be held within the container body. This wouldbe the case even if the sealing at the flexible hinge was to fail orpartially fail. The displaceable wall will of course be reduced in widthif the height of the flexible hinge is raised. The other result of thiswill be that the optimum tipping angle of discharge of the containerbody will need to be greater if the flexible hinge height is raised.

The vehicle tipper system according the present invention has theadvantages of conventional door type side tipper systems in being ableto readily dispose of the product being carried during its tippingmotion. The door hinges are however eliminated thereby avoiding thetypes of maintenance problems that arise due, for example, to corrosivematerials entering the hinges and seizing them up, or material beingcaught in and breaking the hinges. Also, unlike conventional doorhinges, the tipper system according to the present invention can beadapted to provide a tight seal thereby preventing the loss of liquidsor other products from the container body. The overall weight of thetipper system according to the present invention is also substantiallylower than the weight of a conventional door type side tipper system.

An additional advantage of the vehicle tipper system is that the tippingaction is such that the displaceable side wall is a significant distancefrom the ground, even when open. This means that there is lesslikelihood of the side wall being caught in the pile of material beingdumped on the ground.

The above description is provided for the purposes of exemplificationonly, and it will be understood by a person skilled in the art thatmodifications and variations may be made without the departing from theinvention as defined in the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle tipper system comprising: a containerbody having a displaceable side wall located on a discharge side of thecontainer body, the side wall being flexibly connected by a flexiblesheet connection and displaceable relative to the rest of the containerbody; at least one actuation assembly for displacing the side wall to anopen position away from the rest of the container body; and for tippingthe container body such that product held within the container body canbe tipped from the discharge side thereof when the side wall is in theopen position.
 2. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 1, whereinthe container body includes a body skin supported to form a relativelyrigid elongate channel for holding said product, the body skin providinga floor, a fixed side walk, and the displaceable side wall to thecontainer body.
 3. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 1, whereinthe container body includes a body skin supported to provide at least afloor, and a fixed side wall of the container body, the displaceableside wall being joined by the flexible sheet connection to the body skinsuch that the body skin and the displaceable side wall together form anelongate channel for holding said product.
 4. A vehicle tipper systemaccording to claim 3, wherein the flexible sheet connection is in theform of at least one flexible sheet extending along at leastsubstantially the entire length of the displaceable side wall andinterconnecting the displaceable side wall and the body skin.
 5. Avehicle tipper system according claim 4, the flexible sheet connectionincludes an elongate flexible sheet sandwiched between the body skin anda first backing plate along one edge thereof, and sandwiched between thedisplaceable side wall and a second backing plate along an opposing edgethereof.
 6. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 3, wherein theflexible sheet connection includes at least one elongate flexible billetextending along at least substantially the entire length of the sidewall, and located between a flange portion of the body skin and a flangeportion of the displaceable wall, the billet being held in compressiontherebetween.
 7. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 6, wherein aplurality of flexible billets are provided, and at least oneintermediate channel section is located between adjacent billets, withthe billets being held in compression between the flange portions of thebody skin and displaceable side wall and a flange portion of the atleast one channel section.
 8. A vehicle tipper system according to claim6, wherein the at least one billet is held in compression by fasteningmeans passing through the flange portions and the billet locatedtherebetween.
 9. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 6, whereinthe at least one billet is held in compression by clamps clampingtogether the flange portions and the billet located therebetween.
 10. Avehicle tipper system according to claim 6, wherein a plurality offlexible billets are provided, the billets being located in an abuttingrelationship and held together by at least one cable extending throughthe billets.
 11. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 10,including means for controlling the tension of said at least one cable.12. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 1, wherein the containerbody is supported on a chassis cradle frame, and is pivotally mounted atbody pivot points to the chassis cradle frame, the body pivot pointsbeing located adjacent the discharge side of the container body.
 13. Avehicle tipper system according to claim 12, wherein the actuationassembly includes a door ram assembly for displacing the displaceableside wall, the door ram assembly being pivotally mounted at one endthereof to the displaceable side wall, and at the other end thereof toan end assembly, the actuation means further including a body ramassembly for tipping the container body, the body ram assembly beingpivotally mounted at one end thereof to the end assembly of thecontainer body, and at the other end thereof to the chassis cradleframe.
 14. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 12, wherein theactuation assembly includes a ram assembly, and a mechanical linkagearrangement for both displacing the side wall and for tipping thecontainer body.
 15. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 14,wherein the mechanical linkage arrangement includes a primary linkagearm pivotally connected at one end thereof at or adjacent to a topcorner of an end assembly away from the displaceable side wall, asecondary linkage arm pivotally connected at one end thereof to thedisplaceable side wall and having a lateral extension pivotally mountedadjacent the chassis cradle frame, the opposing ends of the primary andsecondary linkage arms being interconnected by a cross linkage, andwherein the ram assembly is pivotally connected at one end thereof tothe chassis cradle frame and is connected at the other end thereof tothe primary linkage arm.
 16. A vehicle tipper system according to claim12, wherein the container body includes a further upper door locatedover the displaceable side wall and pivotally mounted on the containerbody, and wherein the actuation assembly includes means to open both theupper door and displaceable side wall.
 17. A vehicle tipper systemaccording to claim 16, wherein the actuation assembly includes a linkagearm pivotally connected at one end thereof at or adjacent to a topcorner of an end assembly of the container body away from thedisplaceable side wall, the linkage arm being urged for movement by aram assembly, a rigid link connecting the upper door to the linkage arm,and further linkage means interconnecting the displaceable side wallwith the linkage arm, such that movement of the linkage arm opens boththe displaceable side wall and the upper door.
 18. A vehicle tippersystem according to claim 17, including a further actuation means fordisplacing the displaceable side wall, the further actuation meansincluding a further ram assembly interconnecting the displaceable sidewall with the rest of the actuation assembly such that the displaceableside wall can be displaced independently from the rest of the containerbody.
 19. A vehicle tipper system according to claim 18, wherein thedisplaceable side wall is moveable to a position which allows forclose-up loading of the container body by a forklift truck.
 20. Avehicle tipper system according to claim 1, wherein a said actuationassembly is located at opposing ends of the container body.
 21. Atipping vehicle including a vehicle tipper system according to claim 1.